The Rise of 5G Technology: What to Expect in 2019

Are you tired of streaming problems on your laptop and mobile devices? Your network could be configured incorrectly or you might just need more bandwidth.

Internet insiders predict that 5G will be arriving in the United States by the end of 2018 or the beginning of 2019, capable of faster video streaming and lightning-fast upload and download times. New 5G phones are also going to help speed up virtual reality interfaces, work with self-driving cars, and provide faster texting speeds.

Read on to learn what 5G will mean for you and your business.

What is 5G?

5G, or fifth generation wireless technology, for mobile connectivity will offer faster speeds and more reliable connections. 5G networks will also provide a rise in the Internet of Things technology, helping achieve smarter connectivity worldwide.

5G mobile phone service and at-home 5G Wi-Fi will deliver speeds as fast as fiber networks but are more cost-effective. The technology will not only be capable of moving data with greater speed, it will provide lower latency and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously as well.

Another benefit is if you need high-speed internet in a rural area, you should be able to get service with 5G Wi-Fi.

“The networks should provide a significant upgrade to current download and upload speeds – with the GSMA proposing minimum download speeds of around 1GBps.

Most estimates expect the average speed of 5G networks to reach 10Gb/s, and some even think transfer rates could reach a whopping 800Gb/s.

This would mean that users could download a full-length HD quality film in a matter of seconds, and that downloading and installing software upgrades would be completed much faster than today.”

Companies in the Testing Phase

Eighteen internet providers and phone carriers around the world have already pledged their commitment to developing 5G technology and it hopefully will be commercially available by 2020.

T-Mobile has plans to introduce 5G mobile phones to 30 cities in 2018. They are targeting Los Angeles, New York City, Las Vegas, and Dallas to name a few. However, they aren’t promising nationwide service until sometime in 2020.

AT&T is planning to test new 5G phones in 12 cities in Texas sometime later this year.

Sprint is targeting New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC for a 5G rollout sometime in the beginning of 2019.

Finally, Verizon has tested 5G technology in Sacramento and Los Angeles and is committed to replacing their customers’ home internet connections with 5G service in the next few years.

Along with these domestic companies, there are 14 more international phone carriers who are investing in 5G technology. The rollout will be staggered worldwide and China may be one of the first countries to make the switch.

The Future of 5G Technology

Do we need faster internet? Experts say that we do because we don’t know what the future holds.

When 4G was unveiled, virtual reality headsets weren’t yet popular. One of the benefits of 5G, for instance, is that home-based virtual reality headsets will be easier to stream.

5G will also positively affect people in rural areas who need access to the internet for both home and business.

They’ll be able to meet with doctors from their own homes, via the internet, without having to travel hundreds of miles. This also goes for companies who need to meet with clients or vendors, reducing the need to meet face to face.

Overall, the introduction of 5G mobile phones and 5G Wi-Fi technology is exciting. Today’s businesses rely heavily on wireless technology. There is much anticipation of what will happen once 5G takes off.

We’ll see how long it takes for the tech to make its way out of larger cities, but customers should anticipate waiting a few years.

If you’re having computer troubles now or just want to improve your network speed, drop us a line. We offer a wide range of managed IT services for small to mid-sized businesses and can help you get ready for the 5G rollout.